Abstract
This paper explores the interconnections between media coverage, the emergence of green capitalism, and the amplification of far-right populist narratives in Romania. The research is based on an interdependent case study that is part of a broader doctoral project on the role of the media in shaping public perceptions of the Green Deal. The study investigates how both mainstream and populist media in Romania address controversial aspects of the ecological transition, and how far-right actors have exploited existing media vulnerabilities. It highlights the lack of media critical scrutiny toward green business projects and the prevalence of optimistic or PR-driven narratives. Drawing on agenda-setting theory, framing theory, and populist sovereignty theory, the research examines how political actors use alternative media ecosystems to frame environmental policies as threats to national sovereignty, often employing conspiratorial or alarmist rhetoric. Based on a content analysis of a corpus of 150 articles and fitteen structured interviews with journalists, the current research explores how journalistic vulnerabilities, such as editorial pressure, limited resources, or lack of specialization have contributed to the amplification of these narratives. The findings emphasize the urgent need to support critical, evidence-based media practices as a means of countering disinformation and ensuring a socially just ecological transformation.